Chris Kluwe punts, Chris Kluwe tweets, Chris Kluwe is in a band, Chris Kluwe even takes frequent stances on politically charged topics such as same-sex marriage. So it only seems natural that the next step in his evolution from Minnesota Vikings special teamer to multimedia sensation is to write a book. Not surprisingly, Kluwe let his Twitter audience know on Friday that "Beautifully Unique Sparkleponies" will hit bookstores on June 25.

Kluwe, who at times irritated his coaches this season with his outside interests, said on Twitter the book will be "a collection of uncensored essays and stories about whatever I feel like." The title comes from a Mother Jones article that called Kluwe "a glimmering sparklepony of candor."

Chris Kluwe punts, Chris Kluwe tweets, Chris Kluwe is in a band, Chris Kluwe even takes frequent stances on politically charged topics such as same-sex marriage. So it only seems natural that the next step in his evolution from Minnesota Vikings special teamer to multimedia sensation is to write a book. Not surprisingly, Kluwe let his Twitter audience know on Friday that "Beautifully Unique Sparkleponies" will hit bookstores on June 25.

Kluwe, who at times irritated his coaches this season with his outside interests, said on Twitter the book will be "a collection of uncensored essays and stories about whatever I feel like." The title comes from a Mother Jones article that called Kluwe "a glimmering sparklepony of candor."

will Kluwe still be with us in 2013? will his public outspokeness not matter, or will it matter VERY much?

If he punts the football well, then it shouldn't matter one iota. You don't check your personal beliefs at the door because you're in the NFL. I sense a lot of his detractors were swayed by his positions on controversial issues. He certainly didn't have his best year, but that's the nature of the kicking business. You can be great one year and hit a slump the next. To imply that it had anything to do with his extracurricular activities is ridiculous.

If Kluwe had another strong season, I dont think there would be an issue. Fact of the matter is, Kluwe was very inconsistent. If Kluwe is going to play inconsistently at his price tag, his roster spot wont be a sure thing.

I think this off the field stuff is just a side thing, but the real issue is, will Kluwe play better next year or should the team find a cheaper and younger replacement?

it seems to me punting stats for a guy can be so easily skewed to make him look worse than he is. probably better too.

i mean, if a team's offense stalls at the 50 yard line a lot, that's too far for a field goal attempt, but the punter has to NOT put it in to the end zone. so he pulls up on it. but if he has 70-80 yards of field in front of him, he's asked to boom it._________________

No one outside of Winter Park saw Ryan Longwell being replaced a year ago at this time. No one outside of Winter Park even thought Longwell needed to be replaced at this time a year ago. So it’s best to keep your eyes open as 31-year-old punter Chris Kluwe enters his ninth season. That’s not a suggestion that Kluwe needs to be replaced. In fact, the feeling here is the complete opposite.

Although some fans, reporters and even Priefer grew exhausted by Kluwe’s over-exposed persona, the dude can still punt better than anyone else has in team history. He had a few uncharacteristic hiccups and shanks, but, remember, he also had a bit of a bum left knee, which required post-season surgery to repair the meniscus. Something else critics should remember: His net average (39.7) was a career high. His gross (45.0) was third highest in his career. And not to be overlooked is the roles that he and long snapper Cullen Loeffler played in Walsh’s success.

Kluwe’s outspoken, Twitter-crazed nature suggests there always will be a cause for which he will feel the need to draw attention. But that’s manageable. There are enough hours in the day to do all the necessary things that go into being a good punter and still have about 20 hours left to eat, sleep, play video games and have a life while fighting for gay marriage rights, Ray Guy’s Hall of Fame credentials or who knows what else is around the next corner.

"Better known at this point for his endeavors off the field than punting on it, Kluwe turned in perhaps the best season of his eight-year NFL career despite playing much of the season with a torn meniscus in his left (non-kicking) knee. Saw a slight dip in his gross average (45.3, from 45.7 in 2011) but posted a career-high net average of 40.1 yards on 77 punts, up from 38.0 last season. Pinned 19 punts inside the 20, including a moonshot that hung 5.1 seconds and left Detroit with 98 yards to go late. Had only two touchbacks. Went through a rough patch at midseason, with shanks of 20 yards against Tampa Bay and 23 yards at Chicago. Rebounded at home against the Bears, pinning two punts inside the 5. Was fined $5,250 for wearing a homemade "Vote Ray Guy" patch over the Pro Football Hall of Fame patch on his jersey during that game. Subsequently was told publicly to focus on punting by Priefer. Worked at his duties as a holder for place-kicks and was excellent in that aspect. Had one tackle. Was scheduled to have the knee surgically repaired on Thursday. Is 31 and due $1.45 million on the last year of his contract in 2013. The Vikings signed former Jets punter T.J. Conley off the street this month to compete, but Kluwe remains the favorite."